Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Mappin | The Honorable Pete Geren, secretary of the Army, entertains questions from members of...... read more read more
Subscribe
By Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Mappin
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the Texas National Guard and other service members of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan met with Honorable Pete Geren, secretary of the Army, during his tour of Afghanistan and the Middle East, Sept. 15, 2008.
Geren's visit served as a fact-finding tour to ascertain the needs of U.S. Army personnel while deployed in Afghanistan. During his visit to Camp Eggers, Geren met with Army officers, enlisted personnel and with Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone, CSTC-A commanding general.
During his visit, Geren talked with several Texas soldiers. The Texas National Guard's 436th Chemical Company, from Laredo, Texas, has been in Afghanistan nearly eight months and serves as the primary security force for Camp Eggers.
He asked about their pre-deployment training and opportunities to excel while in theater.
"The Texas National Guard has been a great opportunity," said Spc. Francisco Contreras, a movement control coordinator. "Since joining, I have received great training that has given me more confidence and leadership skills."
Geren asked the service members what concerns they have about redeployment. He told the service members that many challenges remain when re-deploying, but they will not go unaddressed.
Before departing, Geren thanked each of the Camp Eggers' personnel for their service, reminding them their families and country is proud of the work they are doing in Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.27.2008 09:37 |
| Story ID: | 24212 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 167 |
| Downloads: | 109 |
No keywords found.
